This is the "psychological" Part 2 to a family outing experience:
Monster Truck Car Crush
After watching about 20 cars get crushed the spectators take to the scene and "finish off" the job. And these were demolishers of all ages. A young adult leads the way. Smashing windows and mirrors. But what really strikes me was my observation after this video ends. The kids' and young children's fascination and participation in the destruction.
Yes, we all got to relieve stress and find our inner "Hulk Smash" by finishing off the remains of the crushed autos.
I felt like there was something therapeutic about breaking stuff that you would normally be constrained by the law and morals from breaking. But what's going on in the 7 year olds head? The giddy faces and pleasure the young ones were having was truly a sight to see.
Children from five years old to 18 enjoying breaking stuff. Windshield wipers were broken off and used to break 'already broken' safety glass. Side mirrors were kicked. Doors were kicked and struck. It was wanton violence and destruction.
But I don't think any of it was malicious or negative. These kids knew this was a unique and exceptional experience. I think it was this waiver for forbidden behavior that made it so enjoyable.
Now some people would take this psychological observation and make the assumption that it could be applied and promoted towards all manners of forbidden behavior. To which I would adamantly disagree.
I don't fully understand the full ramafications of my observation. Yet I am confident that allowing these children to carry out destructive behaviour in a safe and permitted experience is healthy and constructive. Almost like building a lego construction and then crushing it back into its component parts. It is a mental exercise in understanding the world that is around us. It teaches a healthy understanding of destruction, dangers and the impact of our actions.
There is a concrete lesson that this teaches that may be especially healthy to a generation that experiences virtual destruction in video games and movies.
What do you think? Is it a positive, negative or neutral exercise to allow children opportunities to be destructive? Please be thoughtful in your comments, I am very interested in this discussion!!
Peace
